church militant

noun

often capitalized C&M
: the Christian church on earth regarded as engaged in a constant warfare against its enemies, the powers of evil
—distinguished from church triumphant

Word History

Etymology

translation of Medieval Latin ecclesia militans

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of church militant was in the 15th century

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Dictionary Entries Near church militant

churchmanship

church militant

church mode

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Church militant.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/church%20militant. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.

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